A market for a busy traffic junction has been given the green light in a bid to cut Paddington crime.

Westminster Council has given planning permission for an evening and weekend market to open at the Prince of Wales junction, in Harrow Road and Elgin Avenue, in a bid to cut down on North Paddington crime.

The market, which is a stone's throw from North Kensington, will be made up of 17 stalls, including ethnic foods outlets, and is set to open from 4pm-8pm Thursday to Friday, and from 12pm-8pm on Saturday.

But Idris Sheikh objected to the proposals on behalf of Costcutter and AK Cars, which opens onto the future market site.

He said: "It will be right outside the front door of the shop, so we think it would be unfair if they start selling similar things to Costcutter. We're also concerned that cars from the taxi service won't be able to park in the area when the market is open.

"However, I'm quite pleased that something is being done to stop the crime at the junction, such as people openly dealing drugs."

Bryanston and Dorset Square ward councillor Carolyn Keen added her concerns about the proposed market. She said: "Dreary stalls and tatty bits of plastic can make an area look very drab. It's important to make them look good, we have to be very strict about that."

Council planners said that competition with traders was not a valid consideration for planning permission.

The market was given permission to open until December 31, 2010. The date for the first market has yet to be set and the council will now appoint a market director to run the operation.